National Republican., 1887-11-17
LouJsiana knights of Labor.

SANCTUARY DISTRICT ASSEMBLY, No. 102,
KNIGHTS or LABOR, New ORLEANS, Nov.
II, 1ss7.-At a meeting of District Assem-
bly, No. 1902, Knights Of Labor, held on the
above date, the following preamble aud
resolutions were unanimously adopted and
ordered published:
Whereas 1t has come to the knowledge of the
district assembly, officially, and through the
daily press, that IA circular emanatiDg from the
Joint local executive board. Knights OF Labor,
parish of Lafourche, asking an increase in
wages, in conformity with scale OF wages es-
tablished by District Assembly No. lgi, was
presented to the sugar planters; and
Whereas said circular, couched in respectful
and courteous language, was entirely ignored
and
Whereas said planters, IN meeting assembled,
did agree 10 earnestly combine and resolve
that under no circumstances would they recog-
nize any labor organization or pay the wages,
OF to the manner of payment, asked for IN the
circular; and that said planters did further re-
solve TO eject all of their employees who would
go on strike from their plantations and black
list said employees; and
Whereas, without color of authority or ne
cessity. the chief executive of the state of
Louisiana ordered out state troops to enforce
the aggressive and arbitrary will Of said plant.
Whereas, sheriifs posses, assisted by detec
tiyes or police, did arrest Certain of the labor
ers: and
We uTe tDat Salu snerll1 s.
posse, detectives, or police, backed by state
troops, killed four or more laborers, without
provocation, while said laborers were under
arrest; and
Whereas, we arc reliably informed that the
laborers were ready to leave, and did leave
the plantations whenever requested; therefore,
Resol,1d, That II is our belief that said labor.
ers In the employ of the aforesaid sugar plant.
ers In the parish of Lafourche and adjoining
parishes, had no other recourse to obtain their
Just demand, but to discontinue work until
their demands were satisfied or a hearing
given them. Be 1t further
RCsotred, That we condemn and censure the
actions Of the chief executive OF the state,
Samuel ID. McEnery. In ordering ont the state
troops to be nncalied for, and without author
| ity or precedent, and that we admonish the
governor ,SS .bou Of the state Of Louisiana
OF her citizens to peaceaby assemble
and ask a fair compensation for their
honest labor: and that he must respect the
constitution and laws of this state, and cease
the offensive display or use OF military force
during controversy between employer and
employe, when no attempt smade or Intended
70 violate law and the peace and dignity OF
Resolved, That from Information In our pos.
session we believe that the lawless destruction
| was assassination, aud we pronounce against
| i and demand that the legal constituted au-
thoriiies, by the process of law, do thoroughly
investigate the silling Of the laborers. Of Pat
| bar Of Justice for sTch punishment as they
| may be found deserving. BE II further
Res0led, That rs District Assembly 1872 and
the whole order Of the Knights OF Labor have
pronounced III nninistaRRble language against
anaIchy and the unlawful takiug of human
HE, we also pronounce against any armed
force of men, whether sherils' posses, deteG-
tives, police, or military troops taking the life
Of inonensiye citizens while peacefully exer
cising their rights,
BE 4 6uthtr rc,0'r,d That this District As.
scmby in unmeasured terms deplore1 the
actions OF the Planters Association, and In de-
ploring we give Them fair warning that when
Greek meets Gree then comes the tug OF war .
And we VIII at once appeal 70 our MILL Jns of
workingmen To ask A. The hands of Congress
the repeal OF the duties on sugar. which viii
IN the end bring them To n sense of Justice aud
tho rights of others and benefit the whole
people OF these United states
EC UJuHhtr HSOiped, That this District As.
scmbly appoint committee 10 Immediately
investigate all matters concerned, herewith
expressed In these resolutions and see that
perfect Justice is done; and that this District
Assembly use every endeavor to assist the
C0nmiltee In the fuTtherance OF this object.
Re IL I,irther teIOll6d, That the executive
board take such steps as will materially aid
the committee in accomplishing the end sought
for, and that we pledge our entire moral and
financial support In this direction.